The New Jersey State Board of Optometrists, hereinafter in this chapter designated as the "board," created and established by the act entitled "An act to regulate the practice of optometry, to license optometrists, and to punish persons violating the provisions thereof," approved April seventeenth, one thousand nine hundred and fourteen (L.1914, c. 222, p. 448), as amended and supplemented, is continued. The board shall consist of five members, each of whom shall possess sufficient knowledge of theoretical and practical optics to practice optometry, and shall have been a resident of this State engaged in the practice of optometry for at least five years. Upon the expiration of the term of office of a member, his successor shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to the provisions of section 45:1-2 of this Title, for a term of three years from July first of the year of appointment. Each member shall hold his office until his successor has qualified. Any vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner provided for an original appointment.
N.J.S. § 45:12-2